December 2023 Student Spotlights

Woodland Pines Elementary School has named Adriane Smith their Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Smith has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle School Language Arts Education from the University of Montevallo. In addition, she holds master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix and educational leadership from the University of Arkansas. She has been an educator since 2001. Before joining Auburn City Schools, Mrs. Smith spent time as an educator in Forsyth County Schools, Vestavia Hills City Schools, and Lighthouse Academies of Central Arkansas. Mrs. Smith joined Auburn City Schools in 2021 as a second-grade teacher at Creekside Elementary. She transferred to Woodland Pines Elementary as a second-grade teacher this school year. “Mrs. Smith fosters creativity, imagination, and love within her learning community daily. She is willing to meet the needs of all her students, whether it is in or outside the classroom. Mrs. Smith has a great passion for teaching, evident through her optimistic attitude and love of learning. She is well-organized and a natural leader, and she knows the best way to differentiate instruction for all her students. Mrs. Smith is a leader among her peers and leads with a serving heart. We are thrilled that Adriane Smith is the 2023-2024 Woodland Pines Teacher of the Year.” -Tonya Nolen, WPES Principal.

Creekside Elementary School has named Lindy Tapley their Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Tapley started her teaching career in Opelika City Schools before joining ACS at Yarbrough Elementary in 2017 and later transferring to Creekside Elementary upon its opening in 2018, where she currently teaches third grade. She has her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University and her master’s degree in Library Media from the University of West Alabama. “Mrs. Lindy Tapley’s dedication to her role as a teacher at Creekside Elementary is exemplified by her recognition as Teacher of the Year. She not only imparts knowledge but goes the extra mile to care for her students. Mrs. Tapley’s ability to cultivate trust and open lines of communication within the classroom creates a safe and productive learning environment. Her genuine concern for her students’ well-being is evident, as she sets and supports high expectations, equipping them with the skills and guidance needed to excel. Mrs. Tapley’s engaging teaching methods, including room transformations and innovative lessons, elevate the curriculum, making learning an exceptional experience. Additionally, Mrs. Tapley is a collaborative team player, always ready to offer assistance and encouragement to her colleagues, and her organizational skills, friendly demeanor, and tireless work ethic make her a shining example of what Creekside Elementary represents.” – Katie Daniel, CES Principal.

Dean Road Elementary School named Allison Murfee their Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Murfee has been a Dean Road Rocket for the past six years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University. She has taught Kindergarten, first, second, and third grades over the past 18 years in three different states. “Mrs. Murfee cares deeply for all of her students! She stewards her job with faithfulness and integrity. She works hard to ensure that she is meeting students’ needs and strives to have an inclusive classroom environment. She has a positive, calm, and quiet demeanor and always has a smile on her face. She is firm and compassionate, and her students know she loves them and has their best interests in mind. Her ability to connect is very evident in the relationships she builds not only with her students but with their families as well. Teaching comes naturally to Mrs. Murfee, as she creates engaging lessons that are fun yet challenging, and she constantly works to refine her craft. She is highly regarded among her peers and is a true teacher leader. She constantly asks, “How can I help?” and jumps in whenever needed. She is very selfless and shows so much compassion towards others. She is trustworthy and a great coworker and friend. We are truly blessed that Allison Murfee is the 2023-2024 Dean Road Elementary School Teacher of the Year!”

Pick Elementary School has named Deana Hooks their Teacher of the Year! With more than 30 years of experience in public education, Mrs. Hooks is in her 33rd year with Auburn City Schools, serving teachers and students as the Librarian and Technology Coordinator at PES. Mrs. Hooks earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Jacksonville State University, a master’s degree in Human Exercise Science from Auburn University, and an additional master’s in Library Media Science from the University of South Alabama. She also received National Board Certification in 2018 and is one of the East Alabama Regional Inservice Center NBPT Teacher Academy Cohort Leaders. “Mrs. Hooks creates the most inviting and exciting Media Center and lessons with her extraordinary creativity! She inspires excellence throughout our campus by always supporting each grade level and department with resources and fun ideas for learning. As a true team player who goes above and beyond in every way, she ignites a love of reading and learning for our students. Mrs. Hooks continues to inspire and encourage our teachers in countless ways with support for lesson resources, literature hallway transformations, professional development, and National Board Certification mentoring. Deana Hooks is a leader of leading and learning with excellence!” – Debbie Reetz, PES Principal.

Third graders at Ogletree Elementary School partnered with Auburn University’s Department of Poultry Science for a chick-hatching project! Students witnessed the early life cycle of chickens, starting with embryo development by candling the eggs, which is the process of holding a light or candle near the egg to see the inner contents. During the 21 days of incubation, students used observational and predictive writing to record and track varying outcomes. The classes started with approximately 60 eggs, but they learned some never developed while others flourished into hatchlings. Additionally, in art class, students are creating Picasso-style chicken paintings, and in Venture, they are learning about the different levels of heat and the functions of an incubator. This project was a great way to incorporate multiple science and writing standards.

The 9th and 12th grade students had the opportunity to spend a few days at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Not only was learning taking place, but the fellowship was great, and the beauty of God’s creation was recognized and magnified!

Our favorite little pumpkin came to visit the Early Learning Center students: Aubie! SMCS’s day was filled to the brim with laughter and joy, pizza and pumpkins, and lots of thanksgiving prayers for all the Lord has blessed us with.

Three ACS students were honored by Lee County Family Court Judge Mike Fellows for putting good character into action at school! Lyla Goolsby, a fourth grader at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School, was recognized for displaying leadership qualities.
“Lyla is an exceptional student who goes above and beyond each and every day. She comes in ready to learn and makes excellent use of her time. She always has a positive attitude about learning new things, and her positivity flows over to others. Lyla is very responsible and considerate of her classmates. She is an encourager when she sees a classmate who is down. Lyla truly has a heart for serving others. In cooperative learning groups, she is so good at helping someone who may not understand. Lyla is a born leader, and she will do amazing things in life. She is truly a joy to teach, and I am blessed by her actions daily!” – Mrs. Melissa Neighbors, a fourth-grade teacher at WMR.
Hamblet Gonzalo Lucas, a third grader at Pick Elementary School, was recognized for his positive attitude. “Hamblet is an extremely hardworking student who never gives up even when things get difficult. He makes sure to always strive to his absolute best on every assignment he is given. On top of his hardworking personality, he is a student who goes above and beyond to help and encourage other students. You never have to ask him to do anything; he sees a need and immediately fills it. It doesn’t matter if it is cleaning the classroom or helping a friend complete a task; he does it with a happy heart. He has a heart of gold and treats all his classmates and teachers with the utmost respect. Whenever there is a student who is upset or seems lonely, he is right there to make them feel better. He is the most amazing child and is a joy to teach!” – Anna Gautney, a third-grade teacher at PES.
Tyler Willis, a sixth grader at J.F. Drake Middle School, was recognized for including others.
“Tyler displays an exceptional desire and ability to include students with profound and unique disabilities or needs. He is adept at guiding, motivating, encouraging, and accepting students with special needs. Tyler exemplifies what the world should look like when we see beyond a person’s abilities or disabilities and truly love and value the person for who they are.” Mrs. Carrie Williams and Mrs. Rhonda Mingus, a Lions teacher and Special Education Paraprofessional, respectively.

Attending the Auburn High School faculty meeting, special guest Alabama House District 79 Representative Joe Lovvorn presented three checks to enhance school safety and the learning environment at AHS. A grant for $56,500 was awarded to AHS for the associated costs of providing a K-9 police unit at AHS this year! “Jet,” the new K-9 Unit on campus is a welcome addition to the safety team! A $5,000 grant was provided to Auburn High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) to enrich their program. Representative Lovvorn also presented a $10,000 grant to Principal Shannon Pignato to be invested in the students and services provided at Auburn High School. These financial contributions are a continuation of a series of checks from the State Executive Commission on Community Service. Thank you Rep. Lovvorn for the generosity of your support and this tremendous investment in Auburn City Schools!

1st & 2nd Grade enjoyed “Peter & the Wolf”, performed by The Alabama Symphony Orchestra at The Gogue Performing Arts Center.

Congratulations to the 2023 winner and first alternate of the Lee-Scott Academy Spelling Bee! Among the winners andfirst alternates from each grade level in 4th – 8th grade, 5th grader Keegan Henry and 8th grader Aedan Walker came out on top! Next up will be the AISA District Spelling Bee for all of our grade winners! Good luck, Warriors!

Congratulations to our TCS School Spelling Bee winner & alternate! They will be attending the Lee County Spelling Bee in 2024!

St. Michael Catholic School’s inaugural fundraising event, the Sword and Shield Soirée, was held on September 28, the day before the feast day of their patron, St. Michael the Archangel. Notre Dame’s Rudy Ruettiger was the guest speaker, and community supporters enjoyed a night to remember.

At St. Michael Catholic School, Mrs. Goodman’s PreK-4 class can often be found tending to the school garden as stewards of God’s beautiful creation. They’ve touched worms, talked about growth cycles, and tasted some of the early fruits of their efforts. Integrating faith into our academics, students connect science and the miracles of God’s goodness in our everyday lives.

Each month, Lee-Scott Academy Director of Technology, Mr. Kyle Christian, gives out a Junior Technician Award. The award is bestowed to a faculty member, nominated by their peers, who are actively innovating new technologies in their classroom that assist with classroom engagement and learning, solving difficult technical problems that affect many users or teaching other faculty and students how to better use technology. October’s Junior Technician Award is given to Upper School science teacher, Mrs. Karen Bryant! Mrs. Bryant was nominated because of how she has incorporated technology as a way to enhance her teaching. Her classes are based on academic conversations, analysis of data, creation of lab reports centered around challenging questioning. She guides all students through difficult text and ensures the learning of all. Well done and congratulations, Mrs. Bryant! We appreciate you!

Auburn Junior High School has named Katharine Martin their Teacher of the Year! With 14 years of experience in public education, Mrs. Martin has taught English Language Arts at AJHS since 2015. Mrs. Martin graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with a Bachelor’s in English and a Master of Arts in Education. “Mrs. Martin does an outstanding job! She is always quick to help others and does what is best for students daily. Mrs. Martin cares for faculty and staff by mentoring new teachers through the ACS SWIM program and is our faculty Sunshine Fund leader. Auburn Junior High School is thankful for Mrs. Martin and her leadership on campus.” – Ross Reed, AJHS Principal.

Mrs. Stewart’s STEM classes have been focusing and working hard on their engineering skills. Whether it’s sixth grade students building their own satellites or third graders constructing their own lunar landers out of the materials given to them, the creativity and brain storming has been “out of this world!”

Auburn High School has named Greg Sanders their Teacher of the Year! Having started his teaching career in 1999 for Russell County Schools, Mr. Sanders began teaching math at Auburn High in 2008. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Auburn University and completed coursework for certification from Troy University and Columbus State University. “Greg Sanders is a master teacher and all that is right in education. He is one of the most passionate, dedicated, and positive faculty members at Auburn High School. He is often the first on campus each morning, tutoring students in math, many of whom are not even in his classes. In the evenings, you can find him at most extracurricular activities, cheering on our students and making connections that last for years. Mr. Sanders is an extremely reflective educator. He is his worst critic and will spend time every year collaborating with others to fine-tune the curriculum in courses he has taught repeatedly. On numerous occasions, I have had former students approach me and recall Mr. Sanders, speaking fondly of his teaching style, guidance, and tough-love approach. He has as much ownership in the success of his students as the students themselves. Mr. Sanders makes our school a better place merely by his presence each day. He is a gift to Auburn High School.” – Dr. Shannon Pignato, AHS Principal.

Trinity’s Varsity Basketball team spent some time helping out in the grammar school. These guys are working hard on the courts & in the classroom! The entire experience was a slam dunk!

Opelika High School’s robotics students were in Downtown Opelika for Food Truck Friday with their CanBot. They designed and built the robot to crush aluminum cans and aluminum cups. Good job, OGRE- Opelika’s Greatest Robotics Engineers.

Lee-Scott Academy’s neighbors at Azalea Place & Magnolia Place had some Warrior visitors. After the Mother Goose parade, Pre-K students all dressed up in their nursery rhyme costumes brought smiles by serving and being served by the residents! Students gave these elderly neighbors plenty of smiles…and they gave students candy in return as they trick-or-treated to their rooms!

Auburn Early Education Center has named Autmn Young their Teacher of the Year! With 22 years of experience in public education, Mrs. Young is in her 11th year teaching second grade at AEEC. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University. “Mrs. Autmn Young is a wonderful teacher, coworker, and friend. It is an honor to award her Teacher of the Year because she embodies excellence. Her students are engaged, motivated, and build a true sense of community in her classroom. She is a leader, and her passion for teaching shines through. She is dedicated to her practice and ensures that each student succeeds. Mrs. Young has a true gift for teaching and leading. We are so fortunate to have her at AEEC!”- Glori Lammons, AEEC Principal.

Students with Mr. Kendrick in AP United States History recently held a debate contrasting Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton’s economic vision for the early republic. Mr. Kendrick provides talking points, but the rest is completely led by students! LSA welcomed back former teacher Mr. Steve Darden to the class to listen to the debates. It was lively and these students definitely understand their points of view!

Wrights Mill Road Elementary has named Laura Corder their Teacher of the Year! In her seventh year of experience in public education, Mrs. Corder is in her third year teaching third grade after having taught fourth grade for the past two years at WMR. She graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor’s in Communications and an Elementary Ed K-6 teaching certificate. “Mrs. Corder is Sweet, Understanding, Passionate, Encouraging, and Ready – a [SUPER] Teacher of the Year at Wrights Mill Road! She teaches like a hero every day with her extra creative lessons, constant positive attitude, and eager spirit to always give her best to her students and colleagues. Mrs. Corder goes the extra mile in making learning special and fun for her third graders. We are so blessed to have her in the NEST as our Super Teacher of the Year!’ – Karen Mason, WMR Principal

From hula-hooping to perfecting the spiral on a football, dads, guardians, and grandfathers were the “big kids” on the playground at Dean Road Elementary School! Dubbed “Dad’s Day in PE,” this tradition allows father figures to go back to their younger selves while actively engaging with students. ACS thanks all the men in attendance and the PTO for supporting events like this in our schools!

The Auburn High School Marching Band wrapped up their 2023 competition season at the Hoover Invitational this past weekend, finishing 4th in Class AAAA! The level of talent at The Met was high, and competition in the class was tough, but our band brought home SUPERIOR ratings for:
• Drum Major – 1
• Majorettes – 1
• Color Guard – 1
• Percussion – 1
• Band – 1, 1, 1
• Overall – 1
Auburn City Schools is proud of the fantastic show AHSMB puts on the field in competitions and during halftime of AHSFB games.

It’s the 50th day of school, and students are celebrating the end of the first quarter of the 2023-2024 school year with their 1950s-inspired fashion! Decked out in nifty leather jackets, pink poodle skirts, and cuffed jeans, students are now 50 days smarter, focusing on themed lessons from the era that brought us Rock and Roll and famous children’s books like “The Cat in the Hat.” Auburn City Schools appreciates the time and effort teachers, administrators, and parents put into making this day special for our younger students!

Thank you to Alabama House District 79 Representative Joe Lovvorn for stopping by Lee-Scott Academy this morning! Representative Lovvorn presented Dr. Cox with a generous gift to Lee-Scott Academy for the focus of enhancing our school security and continuing to make sure our students are as safe as possible on campus. Thank you to Representative Lovvorn for this gift and for serving our local community!

J.F. Drake Middle School has named Tammy Flanagan their Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Flanagan is currently the Language Arts teacher with the Pumas team at J. F. Drake Middle School and has been a member of the DMS faculty since 2015. Having started her teaching career in 1993 after earning her bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts Education, Mrs. Flanagan taught Language Arts in Daphne, Alabama. “Tammy Flanagan is a treasured member of the Drake Middle School family! She works tirelessly to refine her craft, meeting each student’s academic needs. She constantly researches, learns, and mentors colleagues as she pursues excellence in her pedagogical skills. Tammy is a leader among her peers and leads by serving, seeing needs before they are fully known, and asking, “How can I help?” If there is a special event, Tammy is the first to volunteer to help and the last to leave after helping clean up. She is known for her positive, helpful, calm, and generous spirit, and she has a special gift to see the potential in a child and call them into greatness, even before the child realizes their potential. She cares for her students deeply and forms lasting relationships based on trust, accountability, and love. Mrs. Flanagan is an invaluable member of our Drake family, and I am honored for her to represent Drake Middle School as our Teacher of the Year.” – Sarah Armstrong, DMS Principal.

Senior volleyball player Kate Dickerson finished her volleyball career at the AISA All-Star Game leading the East to a victory and making the All-Tournament team! It’s a fitting end to Kate’s Warrior career! Way to go, Kate!

A group of Art Teachers from Auburn City Schools attended the 2023 Alabama Art Education Association’s Fall Conference in Dothan. This event marked AAEA’s 100th year of existence as a professional organization, and with the theme “Transform. Reflect. Shine!” four of our teachers were even guest presenters during the conference. This group of art educators networked with fellow teachers and artists while learning about new projects and techniques to bring back to their classrooms. Auburn Early Education Center’s Art Teacher, Anne Marie Kuhlman, also won an award for “Best New Art Teacher” for the state of Alabama!! AAEA is an affiliation of the National Art Education Association with the mission to advocate for the highest quality visual arts education and advance knowledge through service, leadership, and research.

The OHS Competition Band competed at the 39th Annual Pride of Prattville’s competition this past Saturday and scored:
Best in class and 1st place overall Percussion
Best in class and overall 2nd place Drum Major (Kylan Fanning)
2nd place in their class Band
2nd place in their class Majorette
3rd place in their class Colorguard
3rd place in their class Dance
Congratulations, and Go Dawgs!

The Auburn High School Volleyball team hosted and swept the Area Tournament! They took down Smiths Station and Central to secure the sweep. The Tigers head to Montgomery next for the Regional Tournament!

Congratulations to the 2023 Opelika High School Homecoming Court! Pictured (l-r): Aayla Billingsley-Freshman, Mackenzie Young-Sophomore, Lathan Rogers-Junior, Kennedy Brewer-Senior, Roniyah Lilly-Senior, Aimee Alcantara-Senior, Sara Kate Speakman-Junior, Kennedi Davis-Sophomore, and Jordan Youngblood-Freshman. The 2023 OHS Homecoming Queen will be announced during halftime of the OHS vs. Dothan football game on Friday, October 27 at Bulldog Stadium. GO DAWGS!

Kelli Fischer, OHS Principal, named 2023 Best of OA Winner! Congratulations to our very own Kelli Fischer, OHS Principal, for being named Best Principal by the Opelika-Auburn News! Congratulations also to Chad Cunningham from Opelika Middle School and Julie Kopinski from Morris Avenue Intermediate School for being recognized in the Best Teacher category. Thank you all for what you do each and every day for our students! We are proud of you!

Congratulations to the 2023 Opelika High School Homecoming Queen-Roniyah Lilly!

On Halloween, 5th graders participated in team work and data collection by exploring and working with “mini-pumpkin catapults” and jumbo dice roll fraction graphs! Fall fun through math & science is happening all around Lee-Scott Academy!

Halloween stations made their way to PE. Hurdling headstones, going “boo-wling” and even making a basket to ring your neighbor’s doorbell were all part of the scary good fun for Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade students this Halloween.

We are grateful to a couple of OHS Alums for making our culinary dreams come true! They donated a school bus converted to a food truck to our culinary program at Opelika High School. We can’t wait to get our “school bus” food truck ready to debut this spring!

Opelika’s Carver Primary School receives $5000 donation. Thank you to our new neighbors at Burlington in TigerTown in Opelika and the national nonprofit AdoptAClassroom for their generous $5,000 donation to help further our students’ education! Our teachers are so excited!

Pre-K students have been working hard on learning their colors in Spanish with Señora Drake! After a student has learned all the colors, they create a chain that helps them sing the colors in
Spanish! ¡Excelente, Pre-K!

Congratulations to Mr. Keith York, Principal of Opelika Middle School, on being selected as the Principal of the Year for District 4 by the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals! We are proud of you!

Dr. Martin-Smith went into Ms. Sanders’ Kindergarten room to continue their enrichment collaborated lesson about bats! After reading “Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon, Dr. Martin-Smith shared some of the ossified bats she has with students so they could analyze the wings, feet and ears they had been studying about.

Students in Pre-K have finished their lessons with Mr. B and said “bye-bye” to him by releasing blue balloons off into the big blue yonder! After a bodacious banquet of foods that start with “B,” we were bubbly and buzzing to let the biodegradable balloons up into the sky! Bye-bye, Mr. B! We’re on to the next letter.